Chapter 45
Ava completely lost her composure.
How could he say such shameless things so matter-of-factly?
His hand moved to his waist and gave a light flick. The belt buckle popped open automatically, and his dress pants hung loosely on his hips. His cool eyes took on a roguish glint.
Ava understood he was serious this time.
She looked back to see that Lily had disappeared somewhere. She desperately hoped Lily would come out, even just to get water from the dispenser.
He was already taking off his pants, as if he wouldn't stop until he got what he wanted.
"Shameless."
Ava turned her head away, not daring to look in that direction.
He forcibly turned her face back with one hand, making her meet his gaze.
"Kiss me!"
It was almost a command.
He meant to do it right there at the dining table.
Ava knew there was no escaping today. She couldn't accept this happening in the dining room with a third person in the house. Her humiliation was fine in front of him alone.
She still wanted some dignity.
"William, if you're happy today, will you agree to divorce me?"
Her voice softened. She didn't dare provoke him anymore. If he agreed to divorce, she was willing to go all in.
William felt a flame rampaging through his chest with nowhere to vent. She still didn't understand what he was angry about - how could she possibly make him happy?
She still dared to mention divorce - she was asking for it!
"Less talking, more action. Didn't I teach you how to make me happy? How many times do I need to say it?"
Ava's eyes steadied. "Can we go upstairs?"
William yanked off his tie with one hand and tossed it aside. "Call me Honey."
"Honey, let's go upstairs."
Ava threw caution to the wind. Whatever he said, she would do, though her eyes remained cold without a trace of desire. If he wanted it, she would give it to him.
Once she got the divorce certificate, they would never see each other again.
Of everything she said today, only those two words seemed to reach his ears.
William bent down and scooped her up, taking the stairs two at a time, looking impatient.
Ava was placed directly into the shower as hot water poured down. She suddenly felt she must have been crazy to agree to his demands.
They stared at each other through the water.
"If you want a divorce, perform well. This is your only chance."
His large hand gripped her waist and pulled her forward, forcing her closer. His hand slipped skillfully under her clothes, burning like electricity.
He'd learned some new tricks somewhere and now showed them off to her like presenting treasures.
Ava couldn't control the shivers running through her body as tingling sensations spread rapidly through every nerve.
Clothes removed, lies had nowhere to hide.
"Ava, where's your period? Lying isn't a good habit."
This wasn't their first time being naked together, but Ava still felt embarrassed and blushed, not daring to look at him.
Intimate sounds echoed in the bathroom as he easily entered her body.
William wasn't satisfied with her performance. He lifted her chin - he wanted to stare into her eyes, which made it better.
When she was aroused, those fox-like eyes would shimmer with moisture, the corners tinted red like rouge. So alluring.
"Ava, look at me. I'm your man. Don't think about Joseph anymore! And stop hanging around with that Lucas all the time."
Mentioning Joseph, he thrust harder with some viciousness, venting his displeasure about Joseph.
"And don't get close to Michael either. He's not as simple as he appears. You can't handle him."
Ava's mind was scattered, unable to remember how many grudges he was settling today. She only remembered he'd come home with resentment.
Yet divorce had become an obsession. Even though her whole body felt numb and stiff, this was the only thought in her mind.
"Are you done? Can we get divorced now?"
William's body stiffened, then he thrust even harder.
"That's all you've got? Like a piece of wood - how is that supposed to satisfy me? Cat got your tongue?"
Ava's lips trembled slightly, but she didn't make a sound.
She clung tightly to his neck and kissed his Adam's apple hard, the kiss quickly turning from sucking to biting.
For some reason, Ava wanted to leave her mark on him.
William felt her sincerity and lowered his head to kiss her earlobe.
"Ava, we're so compatible - why divorce?"
Ava's whole body went rigid. She realized this man had played her again.
"You promised. You said after this, we'd get divorced. How can you go back on your word?"
A light laugh escaped William's throat.
"Did I say that? I said if you made me happy, I'd agree. But your performance isn't that great right now, so why should I agree to your terms?"
"You... mmm..."
"Ava, we're not getting divorced. Remember how you seduced me the first time? Be good, do it like that time."
He nibbled her earlobe and murmured softly.
Ava felt pain from his bite and had no way to deal with his shameless tactics.
She jumped down from him, not caring whether he was finished.
"I'm done. Deal with yourself!"
She bent down to pick up the clothes on the floor, selecting her own pieces one by one, leaving his shirt lying alone in the water.
Quite a clear separation.
For the first time, William felt this woman was heartless. He'd misjudged her before. He glanced down at his awkward situation, inexplicably feeling like this woman had taken advantage of him.
He emerged from the shower half an hour later.
Ava was long gone from SilkGrove Estates.
William smoked a post-sex cigarette, the woman's wet fox-like eyes still before him. He rubbed his temples, feeling possessed, actually wanting to drag her back.
He felt like ice cream that had fallen out of his mouth after just one taste.
The feeling of wanting more was hard to bear.
He smoked three cigarettes before barely suppressing that restless feeling.
He changed clothes and went downstairs. His phone, left in the living room, had been blown up by Sarah's calls.
Sarah had called over a dozen times without getting through and sent voice messages.
"William, Ava might really have some misunderstanding about me - that's why she told the people downstairs I was the other woman. Don't be angry with her. I'll explain it to her properly later."
William exited the conversation, thinking Ava had too much free time at work.
He called James.
"Is there a yoga studio or something near the company? Sign Ava up for one."
James didn't even need to check. The Morgan Group building was located in Emerald City's CBD, surrounded by a complete commercial district - what didn't they have? After hanging up, he immediately chose the most upscale yoga studio and paid the tuition.
Ava received a call from the yoga instructor while doing a prenatal checkup at Olivia's.
"Hello?"
"Hello, is this Miss Ava? This is Serenity Flow Yoga Studio. Do you have time to come to tonight's 7 PM class?"
Ava was confused for a moment, thinking it was a scam call.
"I never signed up for yoga classes. You must have the wrong person."
"Is the number ending in 6019 yours?"
"Yes."
"Then that's right. A Mr. James Smith paid for it."
Ava instantly understood - that bastard William had James sign her up for yoga classes. She asked Olivia doubtfully,
"Can I do yoga in my condition?"
Olivia smiled meaningfully. "Appropriate exercise helps fetal development, as long as it's within what your body can handle. If you feel uncomfortable, don't push it. Prenatal yoga would be good. As for vigorous activities between couples... well, not recommended within the first three months."
Ava's face quickly turned red. Today wasn't a scheduled checkup day. After William's rough treatment, she felt anxious and worried it might harm the baby, so she came to check and put her mind at ease.
The results were all good, so she didn't need to worry anymore.
"You could tell?"
Ava asked awkwardly.
"Your whole body looks like it's been chewed on by a dog - I'm not stupid. But I think you two should give it another try. After all, the children need a father. You can't deprive them of their right to enjoy paternal love.
They say family is a child's first school. You know how important a complete family is for a child's growth and development - I don't need to tell you that, right? Are you really not going to tell him?"